Spotify might finally let you swap out that random string of letters and numbers it calls a username. An APK teardown of Spotify’s Android app surfaced new UI text for “Username” and “Edit username,” hinting that editable usernames could be on the way.
Android Authority spotted the strings in Spotify version 9.1.20.1132 and noted language that treats the username as a social handle. That’s a notable shift for a service that has been acting more like a social app lately, with features like Jams, Blends, collaborative playlists, and now direct messages and group messaging.
Strings point to an in-app editor
The new code includes labels that would fit neatly inside your profile settings, including a title that reads “Edit username.” There’s also an internal description for a page meant to edit a user’s social handle, which suggests Spotify is building an actual flow, not just tweaking menu wording.
Spotify already assigns every account a unique username, but most newer accounts get an auto-generated alphanumeric ID. Since that ID also acts as a unique identifier for the account, Spotify hasn’t offered a straightforward way to change it. The strings suggest Spotify is testing a more human-facing layer, a handle you can pick and update while the underlying identifier stays put.
Why this matters for finding people
If Spotify wants DMs and group chats to feel normal, people need names that are easy to remember and easy to type. Right now, searching by display name is messy because thousands of users can share the same name, and Spotify doesn’t provide a clean, global way to search a unique handle.
The source also points out that messaging is restricted to people you’ve already interacted with through Spotify’s social features. That’s fine for existing friends. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to connect with someone new, like a collaborator, a friend of a friend, or the person who made that playlist you keep stealing.
Editable usernames won’t magically fix discovery, but it removes a big chunk of friction. It makes profile sharing simpler, and it gives Spotify a clearer way to map identity as it leans harder into social features.
What to watch next
There are still big questions. Spotify began issuing auto-generated usernames in 2018, and those identifiers are tied to accounts, so it’s unclear how the service will balance a permanent ID with a changeable handle. It’s also not clear when the feature would roll out, or whether it will arrive on Android first before spreading.
For now, treat it as a strong hint, not a promise. APK teardowns can surface features that never ship. Still, if you care about snagging a clean handle, keep your Spotify app updated and check your profile settings after new releases. Early rollouts often come with the best name availability.
